Italian minimal techno producers Italoboyz, Federico Marton and Marco Donato, have been at the top of their game since their 2007 smash hit Viktor Casonova — a distinctive single that features beautiful opera vocals. Besides making innovative sounds in their studios in London, the pair’s seamless and animated live DJ sets take them around the globe, playing at high-profile techno festivals such as Love Parade, Wire (in Japan), Intro (in Beijing) and DEMF (in Detroit). This weekend the boys are in Taipei to kick off their 2010 world tour and will be playing an exclusive four-hour set.
Marton took some time off from touring in Australia to answer a few questions.
Vinyl Word: You moved to London in 2002. What kind of effort did you make at the beginning to break into the industry?
Federico Marton: We were just working our ideas and we managed to find a way for them.
Vinyl Word: Has living in London influenced your music in any way?
FM: Completely! I remember the first
years I was in London I was clubbing almost every night, listening to different types of music. London is really good also for gigs
and concerts.
VW: What do you think about the minimal techno scene in England and Europe right now?
FM: I think unfortunately it’s difficult to find something really underground. I think the scene has turned a little bit into a fashion thing.
VW: You played in Beijing last year. How
was that?
FM: It was great and the Acupuncture crew is great.
VW: What’s the audience like in China compared to the other places?
FM: It’s really energetic and fresh. It had an energetic vibe.
VW: What’s your favorite club/party in London right now?
FM: Fabric and Loo Kee.
VW: In your opinion, what are the essentials of a good party?
FM: Amazing sound system, nice people and professional promoter!
Smoke Machine presents Organik meets Italoboyz tomorrow from 10pm to 5am at Barbados (八倍多), 101, Songren Rd, Taipei City (台北市松仁路101號). Supporting DJs: Jimmy Chen and Marco Wollenberg. Admission: NT$900.
On the local scene, it seems as if minimal techno is gradually taking off here. Starting this month, In House is holding a minimal/tech house night every Wednesday featuring Taiwan’s pioneer DJ Jimmy Chen and a superb sound system for those who have been seeking a shelter from the cheesy dance music that’s currently dominating the rest of the city.
Wednesdays from 10pm to 1am at In House, 90, Songren Rd, Taipei City
(台北市松仁路90號). Free entry.
Last but not least, if you’re a house dancer or just love to groove to the sound of soulful, funky and disco house, we’ll let you in on a secret: Voyage — an intimate gathering of the local house-dance community, is celebrating its first anniversary tomorrow. Featuring New York dancer/DJ Shan S. with support from Nina and Wow.
Tomorrow from 11pm to 4am at 1981 Bar, 1, Alley 2, Ln 70, Taipei City (台北市延吉街70巷2弄1號). Admission at the door is NT$600 (all-you-can-drink) with presale tickets at NT$450. Call 0913-961-939 for advance tickets.
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